Casualties unknown

Ground Loop During Touch-and-Go Landing with Student Pilot at Controls (N3179B)

Dillingham, AK, US

On March 21, 1998, a Cessna 170B (registration N3179B) operated by David J. Powers was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's decision to relinquish controls to the student pilot in the left seat during practice landings, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go landing, a student pilot lost control of an airplane, resulting in a ground loop, left wing strike, and nose-down attitude.

Incident Overview

On an unspecified date, a private pilot acting as pilot-in-command occupied the right seat, while the co-owner of the airplane, a student pilot, occupied the left seat. During the second touch-and-go landing of the flight, the student pilot was manipulating the flight controls with the permission of the pilot-in-command.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane touched down, it bounced and subsequently ground looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left wing contacted the ground, causing the airplane to nose down. The extent of any damage or injuries was not reported in the source.

Pilot Information

The pilot-in-command held a private pilot certificate and did not possess a flight instructor certificate. The student pilot was a co-owner of the airplane and was not certified to act as pilot-in-command.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 1998 Cessna 170B accident near Dillingham, AK?

During a touch-and-go landing, a student pilot lost control of an airplane, resulting in a ground loop, left wing strike, and nose-down attitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 1998 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N3179B, operated by David J. Powers, at Dillingham, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's decision to relinquish controls to the student pilot in the left seat during practice landings, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. A factor contributing to this accident was the pilot-in-command's lack of certification as a flight instructor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09619. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.